This document is the Temporary Operational Safety Procedure (TOSP) for the Optic test Facility (OTF) Laboratory. The OTF Laboratory is located in room 38 of the Lauritsen Laboratory. The Document outlines the safety procedures to be observed during the work

on the LIGO 100-mW and 700-mW NDYAG Lasers.

1.2 Scope

This TOSP contains the bare essentials related to safety in the OTF Laboratory. It is meant to serve as an interim procedure to allow work in the laboratory until a comprehensive laser safety program is adopted by the LIGO Project.

1.3 Authority and Responsibility

The LIGO Detector Group Leader has the authority to initiate implementation and termination of this TOSP. Implementation responsibility rest with the laser users.

Introduction

The OTF laser safety procedures are designed to ensure the safety of all personnel, equipment and visitors. They are based on the following documents

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The wearing of laser safety glasses inside the NHZ is mandatory unless the PSL is switched off. Note That this means that the laser safety glasses must be worn even when the laser is placed in stand-by mode. The status of the laser is indicated by an illuminated warning sign. When the sign is illuminated laser safety glasses must be worn. Entry into the NHZ is hindered by a curtain which has a standard laser warning sign situated at eyelevel, warning of the need for eye protection. Hazards in the NHZ include Laser radiation, high voltage and either a Nitrogen or Helium gas cylinder.

A sign identifying the current laser safety officer for the PSL laboratory will be posted in a prominent position in an area prior to entering the NHZ. In addition a list of approved users of the LIGO 700-mW Laser will be posted near the entrance of the NHZ.

2.2 Laser Description

The OTF laboratory contains three Class IV Nd³YAG Lasers. The output from these lasers is in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum and is therefore INVISIBLE. The relevant specification for the LIGO 100-mW and LIGO 700-mW Model 126 NPRO laser is outlined in table 1.

Hazards

A Class IV laser is a hazard to the eye or skin from the direct beam, maybe a hazard from a diffuse reflection, and may also be a fire hazard. A Class IV laser, in the infrared region, is defined as being 1

The OTF laboratory has no active access control devices. The laboratory relying instead on a number of physical barriers and warning signs. The door to the laboratory has the standard laser radiation safety warning sign, a map of the laboratory layout, and a notice identifying emergency contact people and listing the hazards that could be encountered in the laboratory.

Except for some chemicals stored in polyethylene wash bottles.

A curtain, which is to remain closed at all times, covers the entrance to the NHZ.

A 254 mm high x 356 mm wide illuminated laser warning sign alerts people to the need for eyewear protection prior to entering the laser area. The wording of the sign says

EYE PROTECTION REQUIRED

BEYOND THIS POINT

LASER ON

CLASS IV LASER PRODUCT

Persons wishing to enter the laser area, should pay attention to the status of the illuminated warning sign. The sign shall be energized whenever the laser power supply for the Model 126-1064-700

is switched on, even in the standby mode.

4.2 Beam Controls

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4.3 Electrical Controls

Initially all electrical controls for the LIGO 100-mW and LIGO 700-mW Laser are to be accessed via the lasers power supply.

4.4 Other Controls

All gas cylinders in the OTF Laboratory are to be chained, top and bottom, in gas cylinder racks.

4.5 Eye Protection

All personnel in the NHZ, whilst the illuminated laser safety sign, shall wear protective eyewear suitable for NDYAG lasers. It should be noted that the plastic laser safety eyewear provided is easily damaged by even momentary exposure to the high power laser beam. The wearer should still be extremely cautious.

Operating Procedures

Prior to powering on the laser, the operator shall visually confirm that no one is physically in the beam path. In addition, the operator must check that the laser safety warning sign is in operation.

5.1 Personnel Protection Requirements

Prior to powering on the laser the operator, and anyone else in the NHZ must be wearing laser safety eyewear. Watches, rings and any other jewelry should be removed.

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The person , or persons, wishing to enter the NHZ have received and acknowledged approval

from the operator of the 100-mW or the 700-mW Laser.

An up-to-date list of authorized users of the LIGO 100-mW and LIGO 700-mW Laser and the current version of this TOSP is to be posted outside the NHZ.

Personnel working with the LIGO 100-mW and/or LIGO 700-mW Laser are required to obey the following rules

Wear protective eyewear at all time when working in the NHZ, when the laser warning sign is

flashing, including times when the laser is placed in STANDBY and the laser shutter is closed.

Remove all forms of personal jewelry, such as watches and wedding bands.

Do not look into the beam, even when wearing protective eyewear.

When placing components, such as mirrors or lenses, in or out of the path of a beam, a visual

check shall be made to see that no one will be in harms way. In addition, a verbal message

announcing the persons intent to install or remove a component shall be made.

Take particular care when the persons eyelevel traverses the optical height of the laser beam.

Situations when this may arise include, but are not limited to, bending down to pick up dropped

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Training

7.1 Laser safety Orientation Requirements

All personnel are required to register with the LIGO Safety Office and receive laser safety training.

All personnel shall review and be familiar with the LIGO safety program manual.

Responsibilities

8.1 Supervision

A list of emergency contacts for the OTF Laboratory is located on the door to the laboratory.

The list includes contact telephone numbers for both during and after work hours.

8.2 Laser Safety Officer

There shall be a designed Laser Safety Officer (LSO) for the OTF Laboratory.

The LSO has the authority and responsibility to monitor and enforce the control of the laser

Hazards in the NHZ. In addition the LSO will be responsible for the following tasks

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8.3 Laser Personnel

Registered laser personnel should assist the LSO in identifying any potential laser-related safety

Hazards. Furthermore they are responsible for

Conducting all activities in accordance with the Safety Operating Procedure.

Complying with all requirements of the LIGO Laser Safety Program.

Inform the LSO or OTF Task Leader if they are not capable of performing a laser-related assigned task

Miscellaneous

The general rule for the NHZ is that if there is any doubt as to the status of the laser,

Then safety eyewear shall be worn.

9.1 Rules For Visitors

No Visitors or unqualified personnel are allowed in the NHZ without an escort.

All visitors or unqualified personnel in the NHZ must wear laser safety eyewear.

No eating or drinking is permitted within the confines of the NHZ.

No smoking is allowed in the OTF Laboratory.

Footware is to be worn in the OTF laboratory at all times.

9.2 Emergency Procedures

The procedures to be followed in the case of an emergency are listed next to each telephone

In the OTF Laboratory.

Additional procedural information is displayed around the partitions of the NHZ.

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